OUR JOURNEY

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

RLabs is an award-winning South African non-profit, established in 2009 in Bridgetown, Cape Town. We have expanded our model and work to 25 countries across 5 continents, impacting more than 50 Million people so far. Our main aim is to create spaces in which people can be impacted, empowered and transformed through HOPE, technology & innovation, training, and economic opportunities.

In 2012, the RLabs concept was introduced to Namibia, through the Namibian Business Innovation Institute (NBII) under the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) formerly known as the Polytechnic of Namibia. A group of 20 young people were trained in Social Media Marketing for Businesses, using tools such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

In 2013, this team officially launched RLabs Namibia in partnership with RLabs South Africa, NBII and NUST, who collaboratively developed and incubated the project. Since then we have targeted and offered FREE training opportunities to many unemployed and marginalised youth who simply do not have access to economic opportunities.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a catalyst for an exponential technology and innovation ecosystem, vibrant talent pools and sustainable economic opportunities in Namibia.

Our Mission

In the pursuit of this vision we aim to embrace, educate and empower Namibia’s future leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs, with the 4IR tools and skills needed to be relevant in the economies of the future.

PROGRAMMES

OUR OFFERINGS

Skills Accelerator

Skills Accelerator aims to equip youth to participate in the digital economy by developing their digital skills to succeed in a 21st-century workplace. We provide access to international and industry-led certification from trusted and globally recognized partners.

Virtual Incubation Programme

Our Virtual Incubation Programme celebrates the wonderful women who uphold our society, by helping them turn their passions into viable business models. Over 10 days, we cover 7 modules, then provide them with opportunities for funding and mentorship.

Community Outreach

Many of our communities still face destitution, and travel distances to access opportunities make it even harder to progress. Our mission is to spread hope in ways that alter how they see themselves, entrepreneurship, and the problems they face.

FOOTPRINT

OUR IMPACT

Programme Graduates

1406

Innovators Mentored

11

Scholarship Enrolments

401

TEAM

OUR CHAMPIONS

Emily Emilia Shikwamhanda

 

COUNTRY COORDINATOR

A proficient leader, she steers the organisation with adept influence. As an ecosystem builder and project management expert, she effortlessly connects with and profoundly influences those she engages. Additionally, she excels as a coordinator, trainer, consultant, mentor, and coach, leaving a lasting impression on all she encounters. She is a present, hands on leader who lives to serve her community and spread hope. Her leadership approach is quintessentially RLabs.

Uvatera Tjiramba

 

LEAD TRAINER and ADMINISTRATOR

As the Lead Trainer and Administrator at RLabs Namibia, Uvatera excels in leading our administrative efforts with exceptional skill and dedication. She is also our talented lead blog writer, crafting compelling content that resonates with our community. Her passion extends to hands-on training and community engagement, where she inspires hope and drives positive change at a grassroots level. A true community heroine, she embodies the spirit of RLabs’ culture.

OUR BOARD

Christine Taphel

 

BOARD MEMBER

Silas Newaka

 

BOARD MEMBER

Rene Parker 

 

BOARD MEMBER

Emily Shikwamhanda

 

BOARD MEMBER